A Chinese tycoon has served up a fancy meal to homeless New Yorkers at a Central Park restaurant, but caught grief from attendees expecting cash.

Recycling magnate Chen Guangbiao performed magic tricks and serenaded the several hundred people who turned up with a rendition of the 1985 famine relief song, We Are The World.

On the menu in the banquet room of the park's Loeb Boathouse were sesame-seed-encrusted tuna, beef fillet and berries with creme fraiche.

Guests, who dined off fine china and cutlery, were also treated to a ceremony in which Mr Chen was presented with a certificate declaring him "the world's greatest philanthropist".

Image Caption:The waiters wore green military-style uniforms

The guests were drawn from the New York City Rescue Mission, a Manhattan homeless shelter.

The 46-year-old tycoon - whose worth is estimated at $750m - has promised he would give each invitee £300.

Wads of cash filled wire baskets at the restaurant, with Mr Chen waving some of the money in front of the guests. But when they discovered that they in fact would not be given any money, an uproar ensued.

Shelter officials urged Mr Chen not to give cash to the group because many are being treated for addictions and the money could be better used for their programmes.

Image Caption:Mr Chen performs magic tricks for the crowd

So the parties reportedly agreed on "gift certificates" through the New York City Rescue Mission.

"I felt I was used as a prop to come here and get money for the mission. 'Coz we were promised that money from the beginning," said Thomas Cargill, 52 and homeless for nearly three years

Mr Chen said he wanted to disprove the stereotype of rich Chinese splurging on luxuries.

He has rejected criticism in China and elsewhere that he organised events for for publicity only and that he was a showoff and a propagandist.

Image Caption:Hundreds of people turned up

"I have helped millions of people and would like to encourage the press to interview people who've actually received the help from me, rather than listening to those people who may be jealous, who might have a lot of negative things to say about what I have to offer," he said.

The lunch was served by volunteer waiters in uniforms similar to those once worn by soldiers in China's People's Liberation Army, bearing the words "Serve the People".

Image Caption:Many were angry that cash was replaced with gifts to the shelter

Earlier this year, the businessman wanted to buy the New York Times, but chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr said the newspaper was not for sale.